Legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets has announced his retirement from the Spanish national team. The 34-year-old team captain made the decision after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Busquets was the captain of Spain in all the matches of his tournament.
“I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 matches, the time has come to say goodbye to the national team,” Busquets said in an Instagram post.
“I want to thank all the people who have been with me on this long journey. From Vicente del Bosque who gave me the opportunity to start, to Luis Enrique for making me enjoy until the last second”.
“It has been an honor to represent my country and take it to the highest level”, continued Busquets. “To be champion of the World and Europe. Being captain and playing so many games with more or less success, but always giving everything and contributing my bit so that everything was the best possible and that everyone felt how important they are. Help everyone and fight for the same goal, with unique, unforgettable and historic experiences”.
Sergio Busquets announces the retirement of Spain with the third highest number of matches
The midfielder made his Spain national team debut in April 2009. More than 13 years later, Busquets has racked up 143 caps for his country and became their full-time captain in 2021. Only Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas have played more caps. for Spain than Busquets.
Spain and its captain endured a tough World Cup in Qatar. The seventh FIFA team was eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16. Penalties determined the winner and Spain failed to convert a single shot. That includes Busquets, who made Spain’s third miss on penalties.
The midfielder has a showcase full of trophies
However, Busquets is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his entire generation. He started every game for his country during the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship. The lanky defensive midfielder has also racked up eight LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies with Barcelona.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Bildbyran
